NASCAR observations while waiting for new season

  by Dave Grayson
As I wait for the green flag to signify the official start of Speed Weeks 2012 at Daytona, I seem to be spending the off season time collecting NASCAR news items while pondering my opinions on their content. It occurred to me that I should share some of them with my racing buddies.  For approximately seven years now NASCAR has observed the policy of the top 35 in their owner's points. This policy states that any team within the top 35 is automatically guaranteed a start in the next race on the schedule.

NASCAR Media Tour: Day 4

  by Pete McCole
The NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway wrapped up it’s 30th edition on Thursday to bring a close to the annual four-day media event as NASCAR’s top teams make preparations for the season opening Daytona 500 barely four weeks away. First up on the final day was an event hosted by Wal-Mart, who announced they will make their first foray into NASCAR Sprint Cup, serving a primary sponsors for 1988 Sprint Cup Champion Bill Elliott in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona Speedway in July.

NASCAR 2012 Preview Q & A

  At NASCAR Hall of Fame
Good afternoon, and welcome to the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the annual NASCAR preseason press conference as part of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Media Tour.  My name is Kerry Tharp.  I'm senior director of communications for NASCAR competition.  We are excited about the 2012 NASCAR racing season.  Our thanks to the fine folks here at the NASCAR Hall of Fame for their outstanding hospitality and hosting us here today.

Brian France Says Sport Is In A Very Good Place

  NASCAR State of the Sport Report
In his State of NASCAR remarks delivered during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said, “The sport is in a very good place and we’re going to work even harder to achieve the very best things for the sport of NASCAR well into the future.”

NASCAR Media Tour: Day 3

  by Pete McCole
The 30th Annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway continued on Wednesday with day three of the four-day session as NASCAR teams continue their preparations for the upcoming 2012 NASCAR racing season. Starting off was an early-morning media event with JTG-Daugherty Racing and driver Bobby Labonte.

NASCAR Media Tour: Day 2

  by Pete McCole
The 30th Annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway moved onto day two on Tuesday, continuing the four-day media event covering the upcoming 2012 NASCAR racing season.  Kicking off the second day of the tour was an event hosted by Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, including drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray. 

Ford unveils 2013 Cup car

  by Pete McCole
Looking to rebuild their brand identity in the sport of stock car racing, Ford Motor Company introduced their new 2013 Ford Fusion entry into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to the media at a press event at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday. The new 2013 production model, featuring a prominent front grill and new Eco-Boost technology, is slated to make it’s debut in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at the 2013 Daytona 500.

NASCAR Media Tour: Day 1

  by Pete McCole
Charlotte Motor Speedway played host to the 30th edition of the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour on Monday, kicking off the annual event that brings together journalists from around the world featuring a four days of interviews and press events with some of NASCAR’s top teams as the prepare for the upcoming 2012 racing season. Leading of the tour for 2012 was a visit from the reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart and the Stewart-Haas Racing team.

Scenes from NASCAR Preview in Charlotte

  by Pete McCole
Thousands of fans showed up Saturday for the inaugural NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Convention Center. The fan-friendly event, part of NASCAR’s Acceleration Weekend, followed an overflow crowd for Friday evening’s NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony of Richie Evans, Dale Inman, Darrell Waltrip, Glen Wood and Cale Yarborough.  Photos by Pete McCole and Getty Images for NASCAR.

Waltrip, Evans, Yarborough, Inman and Wood Inducted

  by Pete McCole
Three-time NASCAR Champion and current FOX broadcaster Darrell Waltrip lead a stellar field of five NASCAR legends inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame at a ceremony held Friday in Charlotte, NC honoring the Class of 2012. Joining Waltrip were fellow three-time champion Cale Yarborough, NASCAR Modified champion Richie Evans, legendary crew chief Dale Inman and NASCAR team owner Glen Wood as the Hall of Fame Class of 2012 inductees.

‘Rapid Roman’ Richie Evans Rode Orange Chariot

  New York Star Won Nine NASCAR Modified Series Titles
Richard Ernest “Richie” Evans certainly was the face of NASCAR – and modified racing – in the northeast, winning an estimated 475 times in approximately 1,300 starts. It equates to a win in every three starts (a 36.5% clip), something unheard of in modern racing at any level. Evans will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday, one of five members of the Hall’s third class comprised of the New York native, legendary crew chief Dale Inman, team owner Glen Wood and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough. He is the first of 15 inductees without a connection to NASCAR’s premier series.

Weaverville Pile-Up Unique For NASCAR/Glen Wood

  NASCAR folklore
In his long career as a NASCAR driver and team owner, Glen Wood, who is being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame this month, has been a part of many of the sport’s historic moments. Many of them are associated with his team’s 98 victories in the Sprint Cup division, but one in particular was a rare occurrence for both Wood and NASCAR. Neither came away winners that day.